Bungy jumping and other extreme activities are on offer to visiting adventurers. Nanaimo is not for the faint of heart – not when one willingly lashes a giant elastic band around the ankles and plummets head-first off a 140 ft/42m bridge towards the alarmingly shallow Nanaimo River. Formerly known as the Bungy Zone, WildPlay Elements Park (35 Nanaimo River Road, about 20 minutes' drive south of the city off the Trans-Canada Highway) continues the tradition with an expanded range of madcap pursuits.
Safe but heart-poundingly exciting bungy jumps in a forested river-canyon setting remain the signature activity here at approximately $100 per leap. Don't be surprised if the E&N Railway stops on the adjacent railway bridge to give its passengers a look at the spring-loaded action.
Learn more about Bungee Jumping at Wild Play Element Park in Nanaimo. Canyon Rides and Tree-Top Adventures WildPlay also offers a picturesque and fun zipline ride across the canyon better suited to family groups. It's a relatively gentle experience compared to the 140 km/87 mi per hour speeds of the "king swing," which involves a paragliding harness and a scream-worthy slingshot ride towards the river.
Rock Climbing Back in town at the north end of Nanaimo is the Romper Room, an indoor rock-climbing centre (4285B Boban Drive across Highway 19A from the Rutherford Mall). The 7,500sq ft/697sq m of climbing surfaces offer everything from easy to devilishly tricky challenges. All gear is supplied and beginners can count on skilled one-on-one instruction.